Which set of signs comprises the four cardinal features of amniotic fluid embolism?

Which set of signs comprises the four cardinal features of amniotic fluid embolism?

• A. Dyspnea, hypoxemia, cardiovascular collapse, coma
• B. Hypertension, tremor, seizures, tachycardia
• C. Chest pain, bradycardia, edema, fever
• D. Headache, nuchal rigidity, photophobia, dizziness

Answer: (A)

Amniotic fluid embolism causes a sudden, life-threatening collapse that affects the lungs, heart, and brain. The four cardinal features reflect this rapid cascade: difficulty breathing (dyspnea) due to pulmonary involvement, low blood oxygen (hypoxemia) from impaired gas exchange, a collapse of the cardiovascular system (cardiovascular collapse) from shock, and altered consciousness or coma from hypoxia and reduced cerebral perfusion. This combination best matches the classic, abrupt presentation of AFE. The other patterns don’t fit the typical sequence. They describe conditions with different dominant features (for example, hypertension and tremor or seizures; chest pain with edema and fever; or neurologic signs like headache with neck stiffness) that don’t capture the immediate respiratory failure plus circulatory collapse and altered mental status seen in amniotic fluid embolism.

Amniotic fluid embolism causes a sudden, life-threatening collapse that affects the lungs, heart, and brain. The four cardinal features reflect this rapid cascade: difficulty breathing (dyspnea) due to pulmonary involvement, low blood oxygen (hypoxemia) from impaired gas exchange, a collapse of the cardiovascular system (cardiovascular collapse) from shock, and altered consciousness or coma from hypoxia and reduced cerebral perfusion. This combination best matches the classic, abrupt presentation of AFE.

The other patterns don’t fit the typical sequence. They describe conditions with different dominant features (for example, hypertension and tremor or seizures; chest pain with edema and fever; or neurologic signs like headache with neck stiffness) that don’t capture the immediate respiratory failure plus circulatory collapse and altered mental status seen in amniotic fluid embolism.